There was a decided coolness between Rhea and the rest of the household after the scene in the dining-room. Mrs. Borrn had always been an embarrassment to him after their first talk about Esther, and now he was aware of an increased frigidity in her manner towards him. She believed, in spite of his denials and her husband's opinion that Lydia was an hysterical female who couldn't be taken seriously, that he had been grossly deceiving them, and imposing particularly on her and Stella. He had insulted Esther, and he had insulted her, while posing as a martyred innocent; for she believed that Lydia told her was the truth, and in this light there were many little memories now that rankled sorely. She regretted more than anyone else that he had ever come into her house. He was a bugbear, a menace to their good name.
As for Mr. Cobblestone, he showed a desire to become more intimately acquainted with Rhea. This did not please that person. He rather resented the advances. Cobblestone was of a prying nature, and there was an impelling suspicion under his affability and apparent good fellowship. He was having a very interesting holiday. As an old-time detective, he found himself amidst scenes and people that intensely interested him. He had intimated that he would like to see Murrawang. He had thrown out half-a-dozen hints to that effect, but they had not met with any encouragement; and he was greatly disappointed when Rhea rode off alone after breakfast to see Rod Bunker and make a preliminary inspection of the estate.
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